Oriflame Makeup Review

A couple of weeks ago I reviewed some skincare products from Oriflame, I also mentioned that I’d love to try out a few pieces from their makeup range. The lovely Lyn from www.oriflame4me.co.uk kindly sent me out a selection to try.

I’ll start by saying that I have really awkward skin, it’s fair, dry, sensitive and easily irritated and while I love makeup this has certainly limited my choices over the years. If a product dries my skin I abandon it, if a lipstick causes my lips to crack or peel, away it goes so I’m not an easy customer to please!

everlasting foundationEverLasting Foundation with SkinRenew Complex

‘High-performance foundation with Patented Skincare Technology for multi-functional skin benefits. Clinically proven transfer-resistant for long-lasting flawless wear. Lightweight silicone base for velvety-smooth finish and perfect comfort fit. Medium to high coverage. 30ml.’

This foundation went on smoothly and didn’t appear to dry out my skin. It does give a fairly light coverage so if you need a really good concealing product then this may not be the one for you. Although it’s certainly worth mentioning that it did appear to last all day and my skin didn’t feel weighed down when I came to remove it.

Overall I really enjoyed using this foundation, it’s light, comfortable and offers a natural coverage and colour.

skin dream bb creamSkin Dream BB Cream SPF30

‘All-in-one solution fusing make-up, skincare and SPF protection. At once conceals all types of pigmentation, blemishes, discoloration and reduces appearance of pores. Hydrates and creates a perfect, lustrous skin tone. Use everyday for a dewy, flawless-look. Oil-free. SPF 30. 30 ml’

I really like BB creams for daytime use, they offer light and comfortable coverage without the weight of a foundation and this is by far my favourite BB cream to date! Other brands have offered good coverage but I often felt they dried my skin slightly. I actually forgot I was wearing this one and despite rubbing my hand across my face it didn’t smudge. The fact that this product is both hydrating and oil free means it should suit a wide range of skin types and the high SPF makes it perfect for protecting your skin in a stress free way.

oriflame beauty eyebrow kitEyebrow Kit

‘Compact, all-in-one kit for creating perfectly defined eyebrows with a natural-looking finish. A professional brow look has never been easier. Contains 2 blendable brow shadows, 2 brushes and setting wax. 3 g’

I adore the packaging of this kit with its teeny tiny drawer and miniature brushes, it would make a fabulous gift. As I have dark eyebrows I found the lighter brow colour of limited use but that’s purely because of my colouring. The brow shadows went on smoothly and did a lovely natural job of filling in sparse hairs. I did try out the setting wax but to be honest I didn’t find it added anything useful, perhaps my eyebrows have been tamed sufficiently but the wax didn’t aid me personally.

very me metalinerVery Me Metaliner

‘Want to make heads turn? Glam it up with Very Me Metaliner in intense shimmering metallic shades. Stylo applicator for sleek, precise lines in a flash. 3.5ml.’

I tried out the Very Me Metaliner in silver and I’ve had a slightly mixed reactions to it. On the one hand I love the texture and colour with its brightening properties. On the other hand I’m not keen on the foam applicator as I much prefer a brush for liquid. I also found this liner a little drying on my eyelids but as I’ve said before I do have very sensitive skin.

very me clickit eye linerVery Me Clickit Eyeliner

‘Glossy eyeliner in electrifying shades and means all eyes are on you. Glides on smoothly for super-precise lines. Combine with clickit mascara for an ultra-glamorous look. 3.5 ml.’

In contrast to the previous liner I absolutely love the clickit eyeliner! The concept of the clickit range is brilliant, all the products appear to come without a handle (although there is still enough to be usable) which makes them small enough to fit in a tiny purse. You can then purchase a Clickit Connector for 50p which allows you to create personalised double ended products or click and use as a handle.very me clickit connector

Back to the eyeliner, this one didn’t dry my eyes and went on smoothly creating a really precise line.

Very Me Clickit Lipgloss

‘Shimmering lip gloss gives your lips perfectly kissable shine. Combine with Clickit Lip Stain for more intense colour. A choice of luscious shades to suit your every mood. 3.5ml.’

Another item from the Clickit range. This was a really nice lipgloss which didn’t dry or run, it also didn’t create an overly sticky surface which was a welcome relief when my hair blew across my mouth in the wind!

oriflame beauty studio artist lipstickStudio Artist Lipstick

‘Creamy shine without shimmer! A satin-smooth texture in warm, muted shades for perfectly luscious lips with a flawless finish. The creamy, comfortable formulation moisturises your lips, leaving them feeling as wonderful as they look. The specially designed bullet shape means expert precision when applying. 4g.’

This lipstick gave a beautiful colour which lasted reasonably well, although it’s certainly not a long lasting blend. The packaging didn’t wow me in the same way as the eye brow kit had but it’s classic lines and simplicity were very pleasing.

Details

To purchase all these products and more from the Oriflame range visit www.oriflame4me.co.uk or click on the product headings.

 

Bonbi Forest – City Lights Locket & Masquerade Postcard Book

I was recently introduced to the world of Bonbi Forest, an exquisite website which showcases the artwork and designs of Lee May Foster-Wilson. Today I’m going to show you a couple of her pieces that I absolutely adore!

City Lights LocketCity Lights Locket

I’ll be the first to admit that I have a complete weakness for lockets, the idea that I can hide an image inside my jewellery holds endless appeal and consequently I own quite a few! IMG_5799

Lee May’s City Lights Locket is beyond beautiful. For a start the image adorning the front of the locket is nothing short of magical, perfectly capturing the twilight beauty that a city scape can exude. I found the catch on the locket a little difficult to open the first time but once I did I found two decent recesses inside the locket to house pictures. It’s worth noting that this locket has no framing abilities and you will need to secure your images against the metal.IMG_5784

I chose the silver plated option although the locket and chain are also available in a gold tone. Above the locket hangs two sparkly Swarovski crystals and even the clasp holds a gold star and acrylic tag.IMG_5789

The locket is truly gorgeous and priced at £19 I think it would make a thoughtful and reasonably priced gift. Not to mention the fact that the locket comes wrapped in an organza bag inside an ingenious origami packet, I actually made ‘ooh aww’ noises when I opened the parcel and that was just for the packaging!

IMG_5801Masquerade Postcard Book

This is one of the most delightful collaborations of female artists that I have seen in a while. The 2013 ‘Girls Who Draw’ postcard book is a collection of 24 cards on the theme ‘Masquerade’ by 12 female illustrators, designers and artists. IMG_5802

Each artist has interpreted this theme in their own unique way but they’re all a visual treat which is sure to delight any recipient. I was trying to decide if I had a favourite image but they are all so wonderful I really struggled. This amazing print from Sandra Dieckmann immediately captured my heart with its whimsical interpretation so beautifully executed. Far from treating these postcards as correspondence aids I think they’d look great mounted in a frame and hung on the wall.IMG_5803

Other artists include Alys Paterson, Aurora Cacciapuoti, Beth Morrison, Helen Entwisle, Karoline Rerrie, Kate Sutton, Kristyna Baczynski, Lee May Foster-Wilson, Ruth Gree, Sandra Dieckmann, Arah Lippett and Yee Ting Kuit.

For more information on Girls Who Draw and the Masquerade book here pop over to http://masqueradepostcardbook.blogspot.co.uk

Details

To see more of Lee May Foster-Wilson’s fabulous designs visit Bombi Forest Online

Tikkers Watches for Kids

Tikkers Watches

Tikkers Watches

When I was a small there was always something extra special about receiving a brand new watch. They looked beautiful, came in a case and made me feel so much more grown up than I really was. I was eager to pass on this tradition to my own children with the help of Tikkers watches.

Tikkers white stone set tiara watch

Tikkers white stone set tiara watch

For my daughter

For my daughter I chose this extremely girly Tikkers white stone set tiara watch (no. TK0049 RRP £17.99). Covered in sparkly stones and emblazed with the word ‘Princess’ there’s no denying that this watch is the epitome of girly styling. Ordinarily I might choose a less saccharinely sweet design but this one actually resembles one of my own watches which my daughter adores. Plus you can never really have enough sparkles!

From a practical point of view I was concerned that the rubber bracelet might be less durable than leather but so far it’s holding up very well. The rubber is also significantly more comfortable than a traditional strap. It is a little large on my daughter’s wrist but she assures me this is of no consequence.

Tikkers black skull watch

Tikkers black skull watch

For my eldest son

As my son leaves behind early childhood and enters the age of video games he needed a watch that better fits this transition, being ‘cool’ is of the upmost importance. We found the answer in the Tikkers black skull watch (no. TK0047 RRP £14.99). Black and green colours make this watch bright enough to still be childish and yet cool enough to be a respectable piece of wrist jewellery. It also has the added bonus of being really easy to tell the time on.

The watch strap is a little thinner than on my daughters and once again made from the same comfortable rubber material. It fits his wrist perfectly and he’s loved it since the day it arrived.

Tikkers Blue Rocket Ship

Tikkers Blue Rocket Ship

For my youngest son

Ever since we visited the National Space Centre my youngest has spoken of rockets, planets and space dinosaurs! That made the Tikkers Blue Rocket Ship (no. TK0045 RRP £14.99) the obvious choice for him.

The colours are fabulously bright, the numbers are easy to read and it’s really encouraged him to learn to tell the time, you can’t really ask for more. As with the other watches the strap is made of rubber and fits his teeny wrist beautifully.

Overall Thoughts

Each of these watches came packaged inside a lovely plastic case with a 1 year warranty which I think makes them both a thoughtful and practical present. They’re comfortable and stylish which encourages kids to wear them and tell the time. I can’t comment on longevity as we have only had them a few weeks but I have no concerns as of yet in terms of durability.

Details

Tikkers watches are available at a huge number of retailers nationwide including John Lewis, H Samuel, Debenhams, Fenwick Newcastle and Bentalls Kingston.

They can also be purchased online from Watchshop.com and watches2u.com.